Mining machine



4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR 77207718]? [ZZZ 7706M.

Aw; 4- mm ATTORN EY M. P. HOLMES Jan. 30, 1934.

MINING MACHINE Original Filed March 29, 1930 Jan. 30, 1934. M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed March 29. 19 0 4Sheets-Sheet 2 12 1k; I x

if 24 Z 16 1 77larrd'flff0 In; 6d- 41 539- AI-W Jan. 30, 1934. M. P. HOLMES 1,945,486

MINING MACHINE Original Filed March 29, 1930 4 Sheets-Shet 3 ATTO R N EY Jan. 30, 1934. M. P. HOLMES 86 MINING MACHINE Original Filed March 29, 1930 4 Sheets$hee t 4 INVENTOR Lax-Wm- ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 30, 1934 UNITED; STATES;

,9 48 MINING MACHINE Morris P. Holmes, Claremont, N. H., assignor to Sullivan Machinery Company, a corporation of Massachusetts Application March 29,

1930, Serial No. 440,089.

Renewed January 24, 1933:.

39 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in mining machinesand more particularly has reference to improved flexible. feeding means for a-coal mining machine of the continuous cutter, bottom cutting type.

An object of this inventionis to provide an improved coal mining machine. Another object is toprovide an improved feeding mechanism for a coal mining machine. A further objectis to provide improved flexible feeding means for a coal mining machine of the continuous cutter, bottom cutting type. Still another object is to provide an improved variable ratchet feed for a. coal mining machine. These and other objects and advantages of this invention will, however,

hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings there are shown for purposes of illustration two forms which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,

Fig. l is a plan View 0f a coal mining machine having embodied therein the improved flexible feeding means.

Fig. 215 a side elevational View of the machine shownin Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the frontor' feed end of the machine shown in Fig. 1 and illus trating the improved feeding'means, parts being shown in horizontal section to illustrate structural details.

Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical sectional View taken substantially on line i -4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detail transverse vertical sectional view taken on line 5-.-5 of Fig. 3. v

Fig. 6 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 77 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a horizontal sectional View taken on line 88 of Fig. 6. V

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view taken online 9--9 of Fig. 3.

Figs. 10 and 11 are detail sectional views illustrating a portion of the clutch controlling mechanism, Fig. 10 being taken on line 1010 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 12 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 1212 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a modified form of construction.

In the illustrative construction, as shown in the drawings, the, improved flexible feeding means is embodied in a coal mining machine of the continuous cutter, bottom cutting, longwall type although itis evident that the various novel features thereof may be incorporated-in coal mining machines of various other types. The;mining machine generally comprises a'machine frame 1 of-generally rectangular shape;having aplane bottom surface 2-on which-the'machine-isslidablysupported for movement oventhe mine bottom. As is usual in longwallmining machines, pivotally mounted'on the rearend of the machine frame is an elongated plane cutterbarii supporting on its outer edges an endlesscutter-chainA carrying cutter bitsi5. The cutter bards swing! able in a usual'manner to positions at eitherside of the machine andlength'wise of; the machine and a locking pinfi; carried -'by; the-cutter bar is provided for locking the barin such positions.

In the present constructionthere is shown-a feed operating member'l, herein'a cabl e -wind-- ing drum mounted for rotation about a vertical axis at the forward end of themachineframe although, if desired, the I feed drummaybe arranged in various other manners; Cooperating with the feed drum is a feed cable 8, while-rotatable on upstanding axes at the opposite front corners of the frame are'guide sheaves-9.; The feed cable is adapted to be passed a'round; these guide sheaves and extended"alongside thema chine for attachmentto the cutter barto-swing the bar about'its pivot or to beex-tended, during the feeding operation, from; the machine to a suitable anchor in a manner well-known in the art. Housedwithin the machine frame is a mo tor 10 which herein may be of the; reversible electric type having its powershaft ll'horizon tally disposed and extending longitudinally. of the machine. The cutter 01121114 is-operatively connected to therear end of the motor shaft-to i any suitable transmission connection which herein may assume the form of those-shown'in my copending applica tion Ser. No. 136,446, filed Sept. 29-, 1926, patented July 21, 1931, Fatent No. l,8l 5,872.f The feed'drum 7- is-operatively connected; to the front end of the motor shaft in an improved manner as hereinafter-debes In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figs 1 to 12 there islreyed to the rear end of the motor shaft 11 a spur pinion 12; meshing with a spur;gear 13 rotatab1y'supported on a horizontal longitudinally v extending shaft llrsuitably journaled within the-machine frame, The spur gear 13 is connectible to the shaft 14 bya multiple disc clutch 15. Also securedto the rear endofthe motor shaft ll-is aspurpinion 16 meshing with an-interrnediate gear 17 (see Fig. 5) in turn-meshing with-aspur gear '18. This spur gear is rotatably supported on the shaft 14 and is ccnnectible to the shaft by a multiple disc clutch 19. It will thus be seen that upon alternative application of 'the friction clutches15, 19, the shaft 14 may be driven in either of opposite directions. The improved. operating means for these clutches will be later described. Keyed to the shaft 14 at the rear end thereof is a worm 20 meshing with a worm wheel 21 journaled as shown in Figs. 4 and 6 on a vertical shaft 22. journaled within the machine frame and the worm wheel is connectible to it by means including a clutch 23, as hereinafter described.

Keyed to the lower end of theshaft 22 is a spur pinion 24 meshing with an internal gear 25 carried by the feeddrum. It will be noted that in the present instance the feed drum '7 is journaled on bearings 26 supported by a vertical stud 2'7 midway between the sides of the machine frame and the feed drum is arranged in a chamber 28 extending transversely across the bottom portion of the machine frame and opening through the side walls of the latter so that the feed cable. may be extended from the feed drum in, various directions. In the illustrative construction shown, the worm wheel 21 (see Fig. 7) carries a plurality of spring pressed pawls 29 engageable with external ratchet teeth 30 formed on a ratchet sleeve 31 rotatably supported by the shaft 22. The jaw clutch 23 abovereferred to comprises clutch teeth 32 formed on the ratchet sleeve 31 and connectible by a shiftable clutch member 33 to clutch teeth 34 formed'on a flange 35 integral with the shaft 22. The mechanism for shifting the clutch member 33 includes a pivoted shipper lever 36 connected by a link 37 to a reciprocable shaft 38 mounted within the machine frame. Secured to the outer end of this shaft is an operating handle 39. The shaft 33 may be shifted back and forth'to effect swinging movement of the shipper lever, to move the clutch member into either its connected or released position. Itwill thus be seen that when the clutch 23 is connected and 'the worm wheel 21 is oscillatedback and forth the shaft 22 is intermittently rotated through the ratchet and pawl mechanism in a direction to effect drive of the feed drum in winding direction at a relatively slow feeding speed. To prevent backward rotation of the feed drum '7 during driving thereof by said ratchet and pawl mechanism, there is provided a ratchet ring 35 rotatably supported by a suitable bearing ring within an annular re cess36? formed in the upper part of the worm wheel 21. The worm wheel has oscillatory movement relative to this ratchet ring and the lat ter is held stationary by means of a depending lug 3'7 integral with the feed frame and having a rectangular portion fitting arectangular opening 38 in the, ratchet ring 35 In the present construction, the ratchet ring 35 carries a plurality of spring pressed pawls 39 (see Fig. 8)

V j which engage the ratchet teeth 30 formed on the ratchet sleeve 31. It will thus be seen that as the oscillatory worm wheel 21 effects drive, throughthe ratchet and pawl mechanism 29 and 30, of the feed drum in winding direction, the

. ratchet and pawl mechanism 30, 39 prevents reverse rotation of the feed drum. The pawls 39* prevent reverse rotation of the ratchet sleeve 31 as the pawls 29 slip over the ratchet teeth 30. Conversely, the pawls 39 slip over the ratchet teeth 30 as the'ratchet ring 31 is rotated by the pawls 29. Although the ratchet and pawl mech- This shaft is suitably anism for preventing reverse rotation of the drum is carried within the worm wheel 21, it is obvious thatit could be located in other positions, for instance so arranged as to engage ratchet teeth formed on the feed drum '7 itself. It will also be noted that any approved means may be provided for releasing the pawls 39 at will to permit free rotation of the feed drum in unwinding direction. Disconnection of the clutch teeth 32 and 34 by downward movement of clutch member 33 will of course permit free rotation of the drum.

The mechanism for effecting oscillation of the worm wheel is associated with the operating mechanism for the friction clutches 15 and 19 and herein includes, in the preferred form of the invention, a worm wheel 40 journaled as shown in v Fig. 4 on a vertical stud 41 and meshing with the Connected to the crank pin 45 is a link or connecting rod 47. As shown in' Fig- 3, this connecting rod is outwardly bent at. 48 to clear the spur gear 13 and is pivotally connected at 49 (see Fig. 10). to a member 55. The ends of the member 50 have upstanding perforated ears or lugs 51 and passing through the openings in these'lugs is a horizontal bolt or guide pin 52. Slidably connected at 53 to this bolt 52 is a shipper arm 54. Interposed between the opposite sides of this arm and the lugs 51 and surrounding the bolt 52 are coil springs 55. It will thus be seen that the member so, the bolt 52 and the coil springs form a resilient or yielding connection between the connecting rod 47 and the pivoted shipper arm 54 for the friction clutches. As shown in Figs. 3 and 12, the shipper arm 54 is pivoted at 56 within the machine frame and is equipped with rollers 57 engageable with" plane surfaces of cylindrical clutch applying plates 58 and 59 for the friction clutches 15 and 19 respectively as shown in Fig. 3. As illustrated, the outer end of the shipper arm 54 is provided with inclined or rounded converging surfaces 60 and 61 and engageable with these surfaces is a spring pressed plunger 62 guided within a bore formed in a plate 63 secured to the inner side wall of the machine frame. This plunger is provided with a conical end 64 engageable with the clined surfaces 60 and 51 and the tension of its spring 65 may be regulated by an adjustable cap plate 66 threadedly connected tothe plate member 63 as clearly shown in Fig. 11. It will thus be seen that the shipper arm 54 has no central or neutral position, the'conical end of the plunger 62 engaging the inclined converging surfaces 6%, 61 on the shipper arm, always maintaining the latter in one or the other of its operative positions.

thereby effecting rotation of the worm wheel 40 to move the connecting rod and shipper arm to effect application of the other clutch. Therefore, the worm 20 is oscillated back and forth, the worm wheel 40, connecting rod '47, resilient connection betweenthe connecting rod, and the shipwere;

per arm forming a trip-motion device to effect application and release of the'fri'ci ion clutches at timed intervals, thereby effecting oscillation of. the worm wheel 21 which drives'fthreu'gh the ratchet mechanism described above, the: feed drum Upon adjustment of the crank pin to; Ward or from the axis of the vvorm wheel iO th'e throw thereof, and resultantly,'the rate of rotation of the feed drum, may be varied.

In the modified form of construction shown in Fig. 13 there is shown keyed to the rear endof the motor shaft 11, a spur piniOnWOfmesh'ing with a spur gear 72Ysecured to a horizontal shaft 73; This shaft extendslongitudin'ally 'of'and is suitably journaled Within the machine frame and has'keyed'ther'eto at its'rear end a bevel pinion '74 meshing with reverse bevels '75 and 76. These bevel gears rotate in opposite directions and are alternatively connectible by multiple disc clutches '77 and '78 to a horizontal shaft '79 extending transversely of and suitably journaled within the machine frame. Suitably secured to the shaft 79 is a worm 80 meshing with the worm wheel 21 and driving through the connections described above, the feed drum '7. The worm wheel 21, ratchet and pawl devices and jaw clutch 23 and the other elements above referred to are in this form of the invention arranged at one side of the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine, the construction otherwise being the same as that in the preferred form. As illustrated, keyed to the hub of the bevel gear 76 and rotatably mounted on the shaft 79 is a sleeve 81. Rotatably mounted on this sleeve isan ec-' centric or cam member 82 and this member is connectible to the sleeve by a jaw clutch 83. Mounted on and surrounding the eccentric 82 is a ring-like member 84 havingthreadedly con" nected thereto a rod 85. This rod is pivoted as by a horizontal pin 86 to a member's; which is in turn rotatably connected as at 88 toan operating rod 89, the latter being slidably guided within upstanding bearing brackets 90 suitably carried within the machine frame. Threadedly connected to the rod 89 at 91 is an adjustable nut member 92 while connected to the outer end of this rod, through a pin and slot connection 93, is an operating handle 94 and this pin and slot connectionpermits reciprocation of the rod 89 relative to the handle while permitting rotation of the rod by the handle. Pivotally connected'at 95 to the nut member 92 is a link 96' in turn pivotally connected at 9.7 to a pivoted shipper arm 98 engaging a clutch applying member 99 interposed between the clutches 77, 78 and slidably mounted on the shaft 79. As shownin Fig. 13, a resilient or yielding pivotalmounting is provided for the shipper arm 98 and herein includes a plunger member 100 to which the shipper arm 98 is pivotally connected at 101. This plunger is provided with opposed shoulders engaging washers 102, in turn engaging abutment surfaces formed on the machine frame at the opposite ends of a chamber 103. Enciroling the plunger member 100 and'engaging the washers is a coil spring 104. It will thus be seen that the spring 104 is adapted to yield to permit'movement of the plunger 109 in either direction. If it is desired to adjust the angular position of the shipper arm 98, this may be accomplished by grasping the handle 94 and rotating the same in the desired direction to adjust the nutmember 92 relative to the operating rod. 89. It' willlthus be seen that as the motor shaft is rotated,-the reverse bevels are driven in opposite directions and are alternatively connected to the shaft 79 through the trip-mdtionYdevice including, the 'ec-f centric 82, operating "rod 89, 'etc.','fo r the. shipper arm 98 t6 e'ffectoseillation of the worm 80} As in the preferred forni described above, o ciua: tion of the 'worm'arid worni'wheel "21 is transmitted through the ratchet'andpawl device '29, 30, it being understood thatfthe 'jaw clutch 23 is connected, to the'feed dfilin'? to effect intermittent or step-byr i eprotation of the latter inwinding direction at a relatively slow feeding pe A. "The general mode of operation of the improved mining madame will now be described. "when the inachineis positioned adjacent the coal face in themanner shown in Fig; '1, the feed tame Sise'Xteii'ded from: the feeddrum '7 around the uide sheave 9 adjacent the coal. face and for war'dlyalong" the inner side offthe' machine, frame for attachment to the cutter "bar. The cutter chain {and the feed'druin '7 are" then connected to the motor, and as the fee'dfdruin is slowly roj tated, the feed cable, 8 is wound in, thereby effecting swinging 'movement of the cutter bar from its mid-position to the full line position shown in Fig. 1, the cutter bar therea'fter'be'ing locked by the pin 6 to the machine, frame. The j'aw clutch23' is then released, "disconnecting'the feed drum'from its drive and the feed cable is disl connected from the cutter bar and extended as shown in full lines in Fig. 1 from the feed drum around the guide sheave 9 adjacent the face and forwardly of the machine along the'face of the coal to a suitable anchor. The clutch 23 is then again connected and the feed cable wound'in by 1 10 the feed drum, moving the machine b'odily along the coal face tov effect its cutting operation. These and other modes of use and advantages, of the improved flexible'feeding'm'eans will be clearly apparent to' those skilled in the art.

As aresult of this invention, it will be noted that an improved flexible feeding means is pro vided for, a coal mining machine of the continuous cutter, bottom cutting type, the improved feeding means beingrelatively simple in construction and extremely flexible in operation. It

will further be noted that the improved feeding means includes friction clutches which are automatically operated and controlled man improved manner, thereby'permitting drive through the improved ratchet device of the. feed drum at a relatively slow cutting speed. It will still further be evident that by the provision of. the improved trip-motion device operated by the gearing from which the 'fe edfdrum isfdriv'en the reverse frictions are automatically applied and released.

While there are in this application specifically describedtwo forms which the invention" may assume in practice, it will be understood that these forms of the same are shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms Without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire tosecureby Letters Patent. is

1. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to co,- operate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating 'mem; ber in a direction to draw in. its cooperating flexible feedingm'eans' ineluding an oscillatory driving element and a driveii'elemeiit intermitear; pa e 1 9?? $1 91 fm9iiij 95% 0 driving means for said driving element for positively oscillating the latter in opposite directions, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor and including a friction clutch and means for intermittently effecting and interrupting drive through said clutch.

2/A mining machine feeding mechanism inoiuding, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element intermittently rotated in one direction, a motor, driving means for said driven element including anroscillatory element automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor and a friction clutch through which said oscillatory element is driven, and means for intermittently effecting and interrupting drive through said clutch for automatically 1 effecting such connection at timed intervals.

3. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted'to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven e1ement intermittently rotated in one direction, a

motor, driving means for said driven element automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor, and clutch means controllable by an element of said driving means for automatically effecting such connection at 3 5 timed intervals.

i. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and

, mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to, draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including an oscillatory element, a motor, and driving means for said oscillatory element for positively moving the latter in opposite directions, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor and including a friction clutch, and means for intermittently effecting and interrupting drive through said a clutch.

5. Almining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding'means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its, cooperating flexible feeding means including an oscillatory element, a motor, driving means for said oscil latory element for positively moving the latter in opposite directions, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in drive mg relation with said motor-and including a friction clutch, and means for intermittently effecting and interrupting drive through said clutch for automatically effecting such connection attimed intervals. 6. A mining machine feeding mechanismincluding a feed operating member adapted to co operate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating for automatically effecting such connection at timed intervals. V

7. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a step by step speed reducing device including an element movable in opposite directions, a motor, driving means for said speed reducing device for positively moving said element in opposite directions, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor and including a friction clutch, and means for intermittently effecting and interrupting drive through said clutch.

8. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operatingmember adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a step by step speed reducing device including an element movable in opposite directions, a motor, driving means for said speed reducing device for positively moving said element in opposite directions, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor and including a friction clutch, and means for intermittently effecting and interrupting drive through said clutch for automatically effecting such connection at timed intervals.

9. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a step-by-step speed reducing device, a motor, driving means for said speed reducing device automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor, and means driven by an element of said driving means for automatically effecting such connection at timed intervals.

10. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a ratchet and pawl device, a motor, and driving means for said ratchet and pawl device for positively moving the pawl thereof back and forth, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor and including a friction clutch, and means for intermittently effecting and interrupting drive through said clutch.

11. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a ratchet and pawl device, a motor, driving means for said ratchet and pawl device for positivelymoving the pawl thereof back and forth, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation wlth said motor and including a friction clutch. and means for intermittently effecting and interrupting drive through said clutch for automatically effecting such connection at timed intervals. I

12. A mining machine feeding mechanism including afeed operating member adapted to co-' operate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a ratchet and pawl device, a motor, driving means for said ratchet and pawl device automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor, and means driven by an element of said driving means for automatically effecting such connection at timed intervals. 7

13. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element intermittently rotated in one direction, a motor, and driving means for said driven element automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor and including friction clutch devices for alternatively effecting such connection and means for alternatively applying said clutch devices, one device always being released when the other is applied.

14. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element intermittently rotated in one direction, a motor, driving means for said driven element automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor and including friction clutch devices for alternatively effecting such connection, and means for automatically effecting such connection at timed intervals including means for alternatively applying said clutch devices, one device always being released when the other is applied.

15. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with fiexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element intermittently rotated in one direction, a motor, driving means for said driven elementautomatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor and including friction devices for alternatively effecting such connection, and means driven by an element of said driving means for automatically effecting such connection at timed intervals.

16. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element intermittently rotated in one direction, a motor, driving means for said driven element automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor including alternatively operable clutch devices, and means for automatically alternatively effecting application of said clutch devices at predetermined timed intervals.

17. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including reversely rotatable elements, a driven element intermittently rotated in one direction, a motor operatively connected to said reversely rotatable elements, and driving means for said driven element automatically al'- ternatively connectible to said reversely rotatable elements.

18. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for intermittently driving said feed operating member, in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means, at a substantially constant feeding speed, including reversely rotatable elements, an oscillatory driven element, a motor operatively connected to said reversely rotatable elements, driving means for said oscillatory element automatically alternatively connectible in driving relation with said reversely rotatable elements, and a step by step speed reducing device driven by said oscillatory element and operatively connected to said feed operating member.

19. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and:

mechanism for driving saidfeed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexi-v ble'feeding means including driving elements rotatable in opposite directions, an oscillatory driven element, means for connecting automatically said driving elements alternatively in driving relation with said driven element to effect oscillation of the latter, and means for transforming the oscillatory motion of said driven element to an intermittent rotary motion.

20. A mining machine feeding mechanism in' cluding a feed operating member adapted to 00- operate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including an oscillatory driven element, a motor, driving means for said driven element for positively moving the latter back and forth, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor and including a friction clutch and means for intermittently effecting and interrupting drive through said clutch, and means for transforming the oscillatory motion of said driven element to an intermittent rotary motion.

21. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element in termittently rotated in one direction, a'motor, and driving means for said driven element including an oscillatory driving element automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor and including a friction clutch, and

means for intermittently effecting and interrupting drive through said clutch, said driving element being positively moved back and driving means.

22. A mining machine feeding mechanism in cluding a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for intermittently driving said feed operating member in a direction to drawin its cooperating flexible feeding means, at a substantially constant feeding speed, including reversely forth by said cooperating flexible feeding means, at a substantially constant feeding speed, including a driving element, reversely rotatable elements driven thereby, a driven element, means for automatically alternatively connecting said reversely rotatable elements in driving relation with said driven element, and a step by step speed reducing device driven by said driven element and operatively connected to said feed operating member.

. 24. Almining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for intermittently driving said feed operating member, in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means, at a substan- -.tia1ly constant feeding speed, including a driving element, reversely rotatable elements driven thereby, a driven element, means for automatically alternatively connecting said reversely rotatable elements in driving relation with said driven element, means for automatically effecting such connection at timed intervals, and a step by step speed reducing device driven by said driven element and operatively connected to said feed operating member. 7

25. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for drivingsaid feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driving element,

reversely rotatable elements driven thereby, a driven element, means for automatically alternatively connecting said reversely rotatable elements in driving relation with said driven ele ment, and means driven by said driven element element,

for automatically effecting such connection attimed intervals.

26. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and

mechanism for intermittently driving said feed operating member, in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means, at a substantially constant feeding speed, including a driving reversely rotatable elements driven thereby, an oscillatory driven element, clutches for connecting said reversely rotatable elements in driving relation with said driven element, means for automatically alternatively releasing and applying said clutches to effect oscillation of said driven element, and a step by step speed reducing device driven by said oscillatory element and operatively connected to said feed operating member. 7

27. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism forintermittently driving said feed operating member, in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means, at a substantially constant feeding speed, including a driving element, reversely rotatable elements driven thereby, an oscillatory driven element, clutches for connecting said reversely rotatable elements in driving relation with said driven element,

means for automatically alternatively releasing and applying said clutches to effect oscillation of said driven element, means for automatically applying and releasing said clutches at timed intervals, and a step by step speed reducing device driven by said oscillatory element and operatively connected to said'feed operating member.

28. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving, said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driving element,

reversely rotatable elements driven thereby, an oscillatory driven element, clutches for connecting said reversely rotatable elements in drivin relation with said driven element, means for automatically alternatively releasing and applying said clutches to effect oscillation of said driven element, and means driven by said driven element for automatically applying and releasing said clutches at timed intervals.

29. A mining machine feedingmechanism including a feed operating member adapted to 'cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for intermittently driving said feed operating member, in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means, at a substantially constant feeding speed, including a driving element, reversely rotatable elements driven thereby, an oscillatory driven element, friction clutches for connecting said reversely rotatable elements in driving relation with said driven element, means for automatically alternatively releasing and applying said friction clutches to effect oscillation of said driven element, and a step by step speed reducing device driven by said oscillatory element and operatively connected to said feed operating member.

30. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to co- 1 operate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element, a motor, driving means for said driven element automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor, and means including 7 a yieldable connection actuated by said driven element for automatically effecting such connection at timed intervals.

31. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driving element, reversely rotatable elements driven thereby, an oscillatory driven element, friction clutches for connecting said reversely rotatable elements in driving relation with said driven element, means for automatically alternatively releasing and applying said friction clutches to effect oscillation of said driven element, and means including a yieldable operating element actuated by said driven element for automatically effecting such connection at timed intervals.

32. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and mechanism for intermittently driving said feed operating member, in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means, at a substantially constant feeding speed, including a drive shaft, a driven shaft operatively connected to said feed operating member, reversing mechanism between said shafts for effecting rotation of said driven shaft intermittently in opposite directions, means for automatically actuating said reversing mechanism at timed intervals, and a ratchet and pawl transmission mechanism driven by said driven shaft.

33. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a drive shaft, a driven shaft operatively connected to said feed operating member, reversing mechanism between said shafts for effecting rotation of said driven shaft intermittently in opposite directions, and means for automatically actuating said reversing mechanism at timed intervals and actuated by said driven shaft.

34. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a clutch for effecting rotation of said driven shaft in one direction, a second clutch for effecting rotation of said driven shaft in the opposite direction, and means for automatically connecting and releasing said clutches at timed intervals to effect intermittent rotation of said driven shaft in opposite directions and including clutch actuating means driven by said driven shaft.

35. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in the direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including an oscillatory gear, connections between said gear and said feed operating member including an intermittent speed reducing device, a motor, and mechanism driven by said motor for automatically oscillating said gear.

36. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a control clutch, and mechanism controlled by an element of said driving means for automatically applying and releasing said clutch at timed intervals including a yieldable clutch shipper mechanism yieldable upon overload. of said clutch.

3'7. A mining machine feeding mechanism.including a feed operating member adapted to co operate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including a control clutch, and mechanism controlled by an element of said driving means for automatically applying and releasing said clutch at timed intervals including a yieldable clutch shipper mechanism yieldable upon overload of said clutch, and means for increasing or decreasing the length of said intervals to vary the feeding speed.

38. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including intermeshing worm gear elements, and means for intermittently actuating said worm gear elements including a controlling clutch through which power is transmitted to effect rotation of said gear elements, and mechanism for alternatively applying and releasing said clutch automatically during drive of said elements including an actuating element rotatable with one of said gear elements.

- 39. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operating member including intermeshing worm gear elements, and means for intermittently actuating said worm gear elements including a control-' MORRIS P. HOLMES. 

